underworld

noun

un·​der·​world ˈən-dər-ˌwərld 

1

: the place of departed souls : hades

2

archaic : earth

3

: the side of the earth opposite to one : antipodes

4

: a social sphere below the level of ordinary life

the town's seedy underworld

especially : the world of organized crime

Synonyms

• demimonde
• demiworld
• half-world
• netherworld
• underbelly

Examples of underworld in a Sentence

a magazine article taking an insightful look at the underworld inhabited by street people

Recent Examples on the Web

While details about the upcoming instalment are under wraps, fans can expect the series to continue its exploration of power dynamics and criminal underworld in the heartland of northern India. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 July 2024

But the reason for my visit to the Jacobs’ home lies beyond these botanical riches, down a set of earthen steps that lead to a gaping entrance into Auckland’s volcanic underworld. —Maya Wei-Haas, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 July 2024

Refn’s directorial debut, tells the gritty tale of a small-time drug dealer in Copenhagen’s criminal underworld. —Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 July 2024

The other was tattooed with symbols of the Russian underworld. —Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing underworld

• the underworld

Kids Definition

underworld

noun

un·​der·​world ˈən-dər-ˌwərld 

1

: the place of the souls of the dead

2

: the side of the earth opposite to one

3

: the world of organized crime